UNHRC to discuss draft resolution to end bloodshed in Syria

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is to discuss later Wednesday a draft resolution submitted by Qatar, Turkey and the United States regarding the ongoing bloodshed in the Syrian city of Al-Qusayr. The draft resolution, of which KUNA received a copy, reaffirms strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and to the principles of the Charter. It also strongly condemns all violations of international humanitarian law, widespread and systematic gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms by the Syrian authorities and the Government-affiliated militias, such as those involving the regime's use of ballistic missiles and other heavy weapons against civilians, including Al Qusayr's residents. The proposed decision also calls upon the Syrian authorities to meet their responsibility to protect the Syrian population and to put an immediate end to all attacks against the civilians of Al Qusayr. Moreover, it stresses the need to ensure accountability for those responsible for the massacre in Al Qusayr, and also emphasizes importance of holding to account all those responsible for the serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Syria. Furthermore, it condemns the intervention of foreign combatants fighting on behalf of the Syrian regime in Al Qusayr, and expresses deep concern that their involvement poses a serious threat to regional stability and demands that the Syrian authorities allow free and unimpeded access by the United Nations and humanitarian agencies to all civilians affected by the violence, especially in Al Qusayr, including by providing authorization for cross-border humanitarian operations as an urgent priority.